Pulpit Rider takes Solana Beach Stakes for second consecutive year

DEL MAR, Calif. - The Solana Beach Stakes at Del Mar has become a summertime stop on Pulpit Rider’s schedule – and a race that largely defines her career.

On Sunday, Pulpit Rider won the $150,000 Solana Beach Stakes for California-bred fillies and mares for the second consecutive year as a mid-priced longshot. Last year, Pulpit Rider was 11-1. Sunday, Pulpit Rider returned $16.60 as the fourth choice in a field of six. In 2019, Pulpit Rider finished second in the Solana Beach as the 9-5 favorite, but was disqualified and placed sixth for causing interference in the stretch.

Ridden on Sunday by leading jockey Flavien Prat, Pulpit Rider closed steadily through the stretch to catch 10-1 Nardini, who led in the final furlong and appeared to have the race clinched until the final strides.

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Pulpit Rider ran a mile on turf in 1:34.21, winning by a nose. She earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 91, which equals her career best. Pulpit Rider was the first winner of the meeting for trainer Mike Puype, and his 21st starter.

“I told Flavien to ride a patient race,” Puype said. “He cut the corner and saved ground.

“When I saw the slow motion, it was closer than I thought. It’s another resume race for her.”

Warren’s Showtime, the even-money favorite, finished third, followed by Leggs Galore and Sedamar, who finished in a dead heat for fourth, and Cassie Belle in the small field. Warren’s Showtime and Leggs Galore were first and second in the Grade 3 Wilshire Stakes at a mile on turf at Santa Anita on June 20.

Leggs Galore, a three-time stakes winner at Santa Anita earlier this year and the 9-5 second choice, set a quick pace of 22.69 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 46 for a half-mile. Leggs Galore led by a length with a furlong remaining, but faded in the final sixteenth.

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Warren’s Showtime, a six-time stakes winner, was well placed on the turn, but could not reach the front, finishing 1 3/4 lengths behind Nardini.

Pulpit Rider, a 6-year-old mare by Lucky Pulpit, races for owners and breeders Larry and Marianne Williams. The Solana Beach Stakes was her fourth race this year, and first win since the 2020 Solana Beach. Pulpit Rider was sixth in an allowance race against open company at 1 1/8 miles on turf on July 16.

Pulpit Rider has won 7 of 29 starts and earned $563,177. Pulpit Rider won two stakes at Golden Gate Fields in 2018.